4 hot spots to drink the best champagne on Valentine’s Day

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by Nevin Martell

“I am on a twenty four hour champagne diet,” Drake boasted on “Money 2 Blow.” He might as well be talking about the ideal Valentine’s Day drinking regimen. Popping the cork on a bottle (or three) of bubbly is how you should celebrate with your special someone. However, it can be difficult to pick the perfect varietal. So we turned to David White, D.C.-based author of “But First, Champagne: A Modern Guide to the World’s Favorite Wine” and editor/founder of Terroirist.com, to find out which bubbles are best and where to score them.

What: 2008 Chartogne-Taillet HeurtebiseWhy: “This is made with 100 percent chardonnay, so there are rich chardonnay fruit and limestone notes and a laser-like minerality. The wine is intellectually captivating – and delicious.”Where: Proof

What: Pierre Gimonnet Cuis 1er CruWhy: “The greatest expression of champagne is 100% chardonnay, which this is. It has brioche and apple notes, and all the richness you want, which comes from the fruit, not the winemaking process.”Where: Kinship

What: Laherte Frères Les 7Why: “Most champagne is made with one of or a blend of just three grapes: chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meuniére. But winemakers are allowed to use four other grapes as well: pinot blanc, arbane, petit meslier, and pinot gris. This cuvee incorporates all seven. You’ll taste the pinot blanc up front and it has this lush, ripe smell to it.”Where: Plume

What: Anything by Jacques SelosseWhy: “When it comes to pairings, nothing beats champagne and pizza. Since Selosse takes a very natural approach to winemaking, the wines are going to taste fleshier and oxidative. If they’re older, they may even taste like sherry. Their Initial is a great introduction, if they have it.”Where: Etto

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